The history of Brussels in 9 museums
It used to be just a chapel on an island in the river Senne around 580, now it’s this multicultural and often surrealist city we love. One thing is certain, Brussels never ceases to surprise!
Grand Serment Royal et de St-Georges des Arbalétriers
In tegenstelling tot 1381 zal je geen kruisboogschutter tegen het lijf lopen die onze stad met lijf, leden en pijlen verdedigt, behalve dan tijdens de historische Ommegang van Brussel. De fascinerende traditie van de iconische gilde van – mondvol – het Groot Koninklijk Serment en van Sint-Joris der Kruisboogschutters van Brussel wordt echter wel nog in leven gehouden in hun gildehuis, een levend museum dat voor velen verborgen blijft achter het Koningsplein.
Er worden meer dan 1500 voorwerpen tentoongesteld, van historische wapens tot relikwieën die de geschiedenis en de productie van de kruisboog, een zeer belangrijk element van de Brusselse folklore, natekenen.
Coudenbergaleis
Lang lang geleden bevond er zich in Brussel een paleis dat benijd werd door vele Europese hoven. De eerste stenen van het kasteel op de Coudenberg werden gelegd in de 12de eeuw, op bevel van de hertogen van Brabant, en beleefde haar meest roemruchte periode tijdens de regering van Keizer Karel. In 1731 werd het grotendeels verwoest door een brand en verdween het voorgoed. De ruïnes bleven jarenlang verborgen onder de grond, maar zijn nu een prachtige archeologische site met een netwerk van intacte kamers en doorgangen om te verkennen.
Archief en Museum voor het Vlaams Leven te Brussel
Wat is er Vlaams aan Brussel? Het Archief en Museum van het Vlaams Leven te Brussel heeft het allemaal verzameld: posters, brieven, boeken, brochures, foto’s, vlaggen. Dit is de perfecte gelegenheid om de taalbarrière te doorbreken en je onder te dompelen in de rijke Vlaamse cultuur die Brussel mee vorm geeft.
Halle Gate
What seems to be a fairy-tale tower is truly one of the remaining parts of the second surrounding wall of Brussels during the Middle Ages. Behind the neo-gothic façade lays a collection of artworks and educational materials highlighting Brussels’ history. If you are looking for thrill and beautiful views, you can always climb up to the top of the building and enjoy a magnificent view of Brussels. For the queens & kings within, an interactive tour through the striking rooms of the 14th century city gate reveals how Brussels dealt with its opponents back in the day. En garde.
Brussels City Museum
This museum keeps the original steal statue of Manneken-Pis, do we really need to say more? Alright, mighty Gothic Revival Architecture overlooking the Grand Place of Brussels, large overview of Brussels’ art from tapestry to monuments and altarpieces all dating back from the 13th to the 19th century, landscapes and relief of the Region & temporary exhibitions: you named it.
Fashion and Lace Museum
A museum Brussels’ fashion police will definitely approve, the Fashion and Lace Museum makes sure it never gets out of style.
Their permanent collection, comprising exceptional pieces of world renown, coexists at the museum with temporary exhibitions, each focusing on a particular theme or creator. Although the themes vary, Belgian and especially Brussels fashion and craftsmanship are always given pride of place in the museum. It’s an opportunity to marvel at the rich relationship between Belgium and fashion.
GardeRobe MannenkenPis
Brussels and some exhibitionist’ love child with a sense of heroism, Manneken Pis remains a mystery to some but to us, the kid is every wildfire’s nightmare dressed like a daydream. Only 150 costumes out of the whole collection (more than 1000 outfits!) are exposed, but you can access the entire collection during your visit via the interactive database. The costumes come from all over the world and are exhibited by theme. Who knew that the most famous Brussel’s statue was such a fashionista?
CPAS COLLECTION
Unknown by many, the collections of the Public Social Welfare Center take roots in the 18th century when the different organizations in charge of the public assistance in Brussels merged. Paintings by the city’s masters, tapestries, sculptures and ancient medical equipment form this surprising collection coming mostly from former Christian charitable foundations.
Sewer Museum
Discover an alternative way to learn about a city’s history… Forget about the fancy museum halls, we are taking you on a journey inside the city’s sewer. You will learn about the history of the city’s construction in relation to the river Senne, the evolution of the water distribution network that brought the city into a new age, and much more. All accompanied by guides who are a little bit special… Our friends the rats!
